Page 12

OLLIE

Sitting in his car at the far end of The Pointe’s parking lot, Ollie sipped his large coffee, attempting to psych himself up for his first day of work.

He should be happy. He got a job without even trying, one that was right in line with his hobbies and career. It even paid well and came with stellar benefits. But he harbored too much fear to feel positive about this. What if he screwed up? Made one of the guests angry? Or made Owen angry? That would threaten Ollie and Liam’s friendship. And complicate things with Finn.

When he’d asked for a sign to help him decide, he didn’t think he’d get one. New Year’s Eve and fate had conspired together, bringing Finn back into his life once again, his gentle persistence warming Ollie’s heart, and as they’d sat on that bench with the fireworks blooming overhead, Finn had looked at him with eyes full of hope and tenderness. And instead of being turned off or thinking it was shallow, Ollie had felt strangely lucky. Finn was so patient, so dashing, he’d even draped his coat over Ollie’s shoulders just like he’d done at the view, acting every bit like the chivalrous knight he was, and despite all the warning bells, Ollie was falling for him.

Maybe the third time was the charm.

His anxiety screamed, dread lurking and doubts laughing, but they couldn’t drown out the fact that Ollie wanted Finn. The universe was a cruel place and Ollie often felt scared and alone, but Finn was like a warm, weighted blanket on a cozy bed, where Ollie couldn’t sense the dread, and that was hard to resist, especially when Ollie had denied himself so much for so long.

Besides, he’d been keeping up with his post-Christmas routine and had managed to lose even more weight; soon he’d be able to float away from his future problems, escape their grasp, and evade tragedy. He’d been more than relieved that Finn had agreed to go at his pace and it made him confident that he could navigate the rocky path of his diet and body issues without feeling too much pressure. Of course, Finn would eventually want things to get physical but Ollie only needed to reach his goal, and then he’d be ready.

Taking several more gulps of coffee, Ollie reclined the seat a few inches and waited for the caffeine to wash away his headache. He’d found that a strong brew killed two birds with one stone, getting rid of the constant pounding in his skull while also keeping his hunger at bay. Coffee really was a miracle drug.

A few moments later the pain subsided and he sat back up, grabbing his phone and taking a few selfies. He’d dressed for the part, wearing black trousers and a black button-down that was bedazzled with small black jewels on the edges of the collar and sleeves, and while his makeup was minimal, his favorite pair of classic lashes made his eyes wide and doelike.

Selecting his favorite two photos, he added My first day of work at The Pointe! Wish me luck, lovelies! And please give them a follow - it’s part of my job. #thegrind #ThePointe #workworkwork along with the brand name of his shirt, his lashes, both of their purchase codes, and The Pointe’s handle. Then he did a quick video for his story and stepped out of his car, taking the long way across the parking lot to the front door.

After a phone interview that had been more like a breezy conversation, Owen had Ollie start on a Monday, which was the last day of The Pointe’s work week. Most weddings happened on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays so the hall was closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as their weekend. Mondays and Thursdays rarely had weddings and were often filled with office retirement parties, afternoon birthday parties, or - like tonight - a small anniversary party. It was kind of Owen to let Ollie adjust and settle in before working a three-hundred-guest Saturday wedding, but even with that consideration, Ollie was still nervous.

“Hello, Sunshine.” Finn waited inside the doors, and Ollie found that sweet, eagerly returning his hug, happy to see him before their date. “Ready for day one?”

Ollie let out a long breath. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Let me walk you upstairs. Owen has a little surprise for you.”

“Surprise?” Ollie followed Finn up the grand staircase, his eyes on the crystal chandelier as he slowly rose above it.

“Nothing bad, I promise.” At the top, Finn opened a door marked Employees Only and ushered Ollie into a long hallway. The first office on the right had a long glass wall that was currently covered by vertical blinds and they stopped in front of it.

“Here we are! Owen’s office.” Finn gestured at the door, which was open a crack, and then moved closer to Ollie, standing over him in a far-too-sexy way. “I’m looking forward to vampire movies with you tomorrow night.”

If Finn didn’t stop, Ollie would be going in there with his compass pointing north. “M-Me too.” He took a step back, clearing his throat. “Will I see you later?”

“I’ll do my best. I’ve got setup and then I’m heading over to the shop where the shuttle bus is being worked on, but I think I’ll be back before close.” He tucked a curl behind Ollie’s ear. “Good luck today, you’re gonna do great.”

Reaching up, Ollie grasped his hand, lacing their fingers together. “Why are you so nice to me?”

“You’ve asked me that before, you know,” Finn winked. “And it’s because you deserve it.”

Ollie’s cheeks burned hot enough to vaporize his foundation. “Charmer.”

“Always.” Finn raised their joined hands, placing a kiss across Ollie’s knuckles. “Now get in there and kick some ass.”

That got a quick laugh out of Ollie. Once Finn stepped away with a little wave and headed back downstairs, Ollie took a few deep breaths, hoping that he wasn’t still flushed, and knocked on Owen’s door.

“Come in. Hey there Ollie!” Owen had been typing at his desk, but he stood as soon as he saw Ollie, giving him a firm but not crushing handshake. “I’m so happy you decided to join us at The Pointe.”

“Thank you, and me too.” Ollie was still a little jittery from the caffeine but after talking to Finn and now sitting in front of Owen, who radiated enthusiasm and kindness, he felt more relaxed. “So, where do I get started?”

“First off, this is for you.” Owen picked up a sleek silver phone that had been sitting on the desk, handing it to Ollie. “It’s brand new.”

“Wait…” Ollie blinked at the beautiful technology in his hands. “You’re giving me a brand-new company phone on my first day?”

“You’re the social media manager, right?” Owen seemed amused.

“Yes.”

“How will you manage without one?”

“I usually just use my phone but-”

“But nothing. And let me know if you need any paid apps, I’ll have them covered.”

Was Ollie dreaming? His last job had been with a small start-up and he’d had to share a desk with two other people as well as run things from his phone. This was much better.

He couldn’t help but smile. “I can’t argue with that.”

“Good, good.” Owen clapped him on the shoulder and then gave him a slight push toward the door. “Now let’s go check out your office.”

“I can’t believe I’ve been here almost five years and newbie gets an office.” Marci crossed her arms, leaning against the wall of the main room, where guests were starting to file in for that evening’s anniversary party.

“It’s my old office and it’s a closet. We’ve been over this,” Liam told her. He’d stopped to have lunch with Owen and lend Ollie some first-day support, which Ollie sincerely appreciated.

“And it’s just a place for me to store my things,” he added. “I can share it with you?”

“Don’t worry yourself, hun, I’m teasing.” She bumped his shoulder and then stuck her tongue out at Finn, who was bringing in more chairs, carrying one in each hand. He made a ridiculous face at her in return, causing Ollie and Liam to burst out laughing.

“S-So,” Liam gasped, wiping a tear from his eye. “You and Finn.”

“Yes. Me and Finn.” Ollie couldn’t help the soft smile that took over his lips every time he thought of his knight.

“I do not know what you see in that man,” Marci quipped but Ollie could tell she was still teasing. “Oh, by the way, you can grab sandwiches and leftover reception meals from the kitchen. Just see Angelo.”

“Will do,” Ollie lied.

Tensing, Marci tapped the button on her headset, turning on her microphone. “What’s up? The cake is here? Okay, I’ll be right out.” She tapped it again, blowing a kiss at Liam and Ollie. “See you later, boys. Duty calls.”

Liam waved and Ollie nodded as she left. The two of them stayed where they were, out of the way on the far side of the room, and shared silence until curiosity seemed to get the best of Liam.

“How is it going with Finn? Last I heard, there were fireworks.” Liam poked Ollie’s arm, a silly grin on his face.

“I think Owen’s lame sense of humor is rubbing off on you.” Raising an eyebrow, Ollie took one step away.

“Answer the question, you’re under oath,” Liam shot back, his grin not moving.

“Did you actually say that out loud? You’re not even in law school yet,” Ollie huffed, trying to procrastinate, but Liam continued to stare, being infuriatingly and cutely inquisitive, and he cracked. “Yes, yes, okay, there were fireworks.” He wanted to be cool about it but his cheeks flushed, giving him away.

Liam nodded sagely. “Good. I admit, I never saw this coming but I think you two are perfect for each other.”

“Trust me, I didn’t see this coming either.” Ollie tilted his head. “And you think so?”

Liam nodded with enthusiasm, his eyes clear and true until he squinted, leaning in. “What’s going on? You seem unsure.”

Ollie had read something in a self-help book that said there were no wrong decisions and he vigorously disagreed. One misguided choice could cause a heap of trouble, and while deciding to date Finn wasn’t as life-threatening as jumping out of an airplane, or as life-altering as having a child, it would affect his path, his mental health, and his diet. He knew that he had people he could talk to and get advice from but he’d been enjoying his privacy so much he was a little addicted to it; he figured he could work things out himself. However, it wouldn’t hurt to get Liam’s input.

“I guess I still have a lot of concerns.”

“Like what?” Liam straightened, rapt with attention.

“Well, we’re twelve years apart for one.” But it wasn’t the age gap that bothered Ollie, not really.

“Owen and I are twelve years apart too and he knew my parents. But it’s working out fine, better than fine. Age is just a number.”

“Listen to you, being all wise.” Ollie poked Liam’s sneaker with the tip of his patent leather shoe.

“What are your other concerns?”

Ollie let out a long sigh. “Well…Finn isn’t the first man I’ve dated who was straight.” He made quotation marks with his fingers. “Or even the second. And it didn’t go well. I’m worried about being another experiment, or a test of Finn’s sexuality.”

“That’s bullshit,” Liam blurted.

“Wow, Li-lac I don’t think I’ve ever heard you curse.” Ollie’s forehead wrinkled in shock.

“It was needed.” Liam frowned. “I assure you, Finn is not going to treat you like an experiment or a test. I haven’t known him for long but he’s been Owen’s friend forever, which should tell you a lot. And from what I’ve seen? He treats everyone with respect and stands up for the things he believes in. He protects the people he cares about. He’s got a very open mind…” Liam flushed. “Because he gave me and Owen his blessing even though he knew my history. He saw how much in love we were and gave me a chance when I needed it most.”

“Wow.” Everything Liam said only solidified Ollie’s vision of Knight Finn, each word shining that suit of armor until it shone, bright as day.

“Besides, Owen was married to a woman for years. He was bisexual and then he came out as gay. But I’m not worried about it because he chose me.” Liam shifted closer, his voice soft.

“But he already leaned toward men so you and him make sense.” Ollie pushed his curls back, frustrated. “Finn never even kissed another man before he met me.”

“Then he must really like you.”

Ollie came up short, that one simple sentence striking him like a slap across the face. “I…guess so?”

Liam gave him a half-smile. “I know you’ve been hurt before but Finn is a good man. Try not to punish him for other people’s mistakes, give him a fair shot.”

At that moment, Finn appeared in the doorway again, this time empty-handed, and as he looked around it was clear he was searching for Ollie. When they finally locked eyes, Finn lit up, delighted, and Ollie’s heart beat faster in return, kindling warmth in his perpetually cold body.

He slowly returned the smile, his concerns smaller now, more distant. He’d never dated someone who was this happy to see him. Compared to the measly affection he’d had for the others, his emotions toward Finn were intense, all-consuming, and very real.

“You know what?” Ollie pushed off the wall, heading towards Finn’s embrace. “Maybe you’re right.”

What do you want from the Chinese place?

Typing away, Ollie grinned, for he’d prepared. He’d gotten the name of the restaurant the night before and had intensely studied the menu, picking something suitable and not suspicious at all.

The house steamed vegetables with brown rice, wonton soup, and two spring rolls.

Do you have popcorn?

Of course. Ollie had searched the kitchen and found several flat bags of microwave popcorn in the pantry, along with some cola and an unopened bag of candy. I also have soda and snacks.

Great. See you soon, Sunshine!

Ollie stared at his phone for a few seconds, as he always did after speaking with Finn, and then shook himself. He needed to finish his makeup or he’d look like a half-glittery raccoon by the time Finn arrived. Hitting the record button again, he resumed his dark glam eye tutorial, touching up the metallic purple cut crease; occasionally talking to the camera in case the result was good enough to post.

Satisfied once he was done - because the finished product didn’t just look good, it looked sensational - Ollie paired his makeup with a vintage violet Juicy Couture sweatshirt that he’d scored from an online auction, and black jeans with leggings underneath since they were going to hang out in the drafty living room. Plus, the extra pants would keep Ollie in check; chances were low that he’d end up naked if he had layers on.

The doorbell rang and Ollie scampered down the stairs, stopping at the bottom and holding onto the banister until the foyer stopped spinning. He hadn’t eaten since the night before, leaving his calorie count open for dinner with Finn, and the coffee hadn’t been working as well as it used to, for he’d had a slight headache all day.

“Hey there!” Finn smiled widely as Ollie finally opened the door. Laden with bags, he leaned down, brushing his lips across Ollie’s cheek and whispering. “You look stunning. I like your makeup.”

“Th-Thank you,” Ollie stammered. How could Finn be such a damn flatterer right out of the gate? He wanted to compliment Finn in return but the scent of fried food washed over Ollie’s senses, and his stomach growled instead.

“I guess I arrived just in time!” Finn laughed.

“You did.” Ollie was a little embarrassed. His body didn’t have to cry out like a wounded animal because it smelled food. Pointing to the living room, Ollie headed away, to the kitchen. “You can set up in there, I’ll get some silverware.”

“Awesome.” Finn shrugged out of his coat, and less than a minute later they were both on the couch rifling through the various cartons covering the coffee table. There were a lot more of them than Ollie expected.

“Did you buy the whole place out?” Picking up one of the spring rolls, Ollie gave it a quick sniff to make sure it wasn’t cooked in butter and added it to his plate.

“I got some extras in case we were hungry later. Or if you wanted to try something different.” Finn piled some chicken in a spicy-looking sauce onto what was already a large heap of rice. “So, what are we watching tonight?”

“Ah.” Ollie picked up his laptop, which he had wired into the back of the television. “Tonight’s movie marathon is all Underworld.”

“Nice!” Finn grabbed a few egg rolls, placing them around his chicken and rice mountain.

“But we aren’t watching them in release order. We’re watching them in chronological order.”

“Then that means we’re starting with…” Finn’s fork was frozen halfway to his mouth. “Rise of the Lycans?”

“Correct. You know your vampire movies, Just Finn,” Ollie smirked. “After that is parts one and two of Endless War.”

“Those are the animated shorts, right? I haven’t had a chance to see them yet.”

“Then it’s your lucky night. Following those is the first Underworld movie. We’ll probably need another date for the rest.”

“Sounds amazing.” Finn gave Ollie a soft grin that reflected in his eyes. “And it is definitely my lucky night. Not because I get to see Endless War but because I get to have a delicious meal with a gorgeous man.”

“Stahp.” Ollie could feel the blush rising in his cheeks and he fanned himself. “You are a flirt Mr. um…” Ollie blinked, his hand stopping, his lips turning down in a small frown. “Wait a second. I don’t know your last name.”

“It’s Cooper. Finn Cooper.” Finn let out a short laugh. “And I didn’t mean to say that like ‘Bond, James Bond.’ Your last name is Clark, I saw it last week when your resume was on Opie’s desk.” He let out a sigh, shaking his head back and forth. “I can’t believe it. The third Clark.”

“Wait, what?” Ollie stared at him with raised eyebrows, carefully confused.

“I dated a Clark in high school, a Clark a few years ago, and now you.” Finn turned, splaying one knee out across the couch cushion for balance, and faced Ollie, giving him a silly come-hither smile. “There must be something about the name.” He waggled his eyebrows.

A short laugh sprang from Ollie’s chest. “You probably dated my cousin.”

“Do you have any cousins?”

“Not any over eighteen.”

“Then I guess I didn’t date your cousin.” Finn bit his lip.

“Maybe one of my sisters?” Ollie shook his head, a short laugh springing from his chest at the mismatch. “But they would’ve mentioned you.”

“I like that you think I’m worth mentioning,” Finn said, toasting with an egg roll. Grabbing his spring roll, Ollie tapped the top of Finn’s offering as if they were clinking glasses after a speech. “And I like this.”

“What? Us talking?”

Finn’s soft, reassuring grin deepened the lines in the corners of his eyes. “Yes. I want to know more about you. What your family is like, what you do for fun, your hopes and dreams, etcetera…”

Ollie blinked, staring at the plate in his lap. It had exactly two spoonfuls of steamed vegetables and the spring roll he’d just toasted with. “Well, my parents are amazing. My mom works for a non-profit and my dad has been an English teacher forever. He’s going to retire in five years. All of the kids are grown and out of the house except for my brother Tommy and we’re still close. I know a lot of families have dysfunction but like…” Ollie twirled the spring roll in his fingers, looking back up. “They love me, I love them. They might be somewhat overbearing but that’s nothing a little distance can’t fix.”

“So, moving here has been good for you?” Finn asked between shovels of food. Although he was eating, Ollie could tell he was focused on every word, actively listening.

“It has. I’m getting enough space to be who I am, I’ve gotten a good job, and…” Ollie wanted to be flirtatious like Finn but he was too bashful.

“And you met me.” Finn winked.

“Don’t be full of yourself.” Ollie turned up his nose but his lips twitched as he held back a grin.

“Too late,” Finn smirked, adding more rice to his plate. “And what are your hobbies?”

“Other than social media? Um…I like makeup, tennis, vampire movies obviously…”

“And working out.”

Ollie froze, trying not to seem too wary. “Working out?”

“Yeah, you like to run and you have a pile of weights on a stepper in your room. Plus, you’re very health conscious. Are you training for a marathon?” Finn took a big crunchy bite of a fried wonton, oblivious to the emotions his questions stirred up; however, in his favor, he didn’t comment on Ollie’s body or make any judgments. His expression was open, curious, and that made it easier for Ollie to answer.

“No, I’m not marathon training.” It was more like training to outrun dread and disaster, and to escape his former self. “I had a bit of a glow-up.”

“What do you mean?” Pausing his eating, Finn tilted his head.

“I was kind of invisible in high school. I didn’t get bullied or anything but I didn’t get noticed either. So, I learned how to do makeup. I learned how to manage my curls - and that is a long routine. I started eating better and using skin care. I lost some weight. I was an ugly duckling and now? I’m a straight-guy magnet.” Ollie hoped his grin wasn’t too sardonic.

“I don’t believe you were ever ugly.” Finn’s face was all sincerity.

“Constantly a charmer.” Ollie dropped the grin before it became too wan. “But keeping the weight off requires discipline, so that’s why…” Ollie gestured at his plate. “And what about you?”

“Me?” Finn pointed at himself with his fork.

“Yes, you.” Ollie wanted to change the subject and know more about Finn. “Same questions. I mean, I need to ask you directly since you have no social media to stalk.”

“You stalked me?” Finn seemed delighted.

“Tried to stalk you. Tried. But all I could find was a Facebook. Ew.”

“There’s nothing wrong with having a Facebook.”

“Are you seventy?”

“I’m thirty-four. Plenty of people my age have one.”

“I’m sure they do.” Ollie widened his eyes and nodded, agreeing facetiously. Finn gave him a wicked smirk, extended his index finger, and booped Ollie’s nose.

“You’re a brat.”

“Have you internet stalked me?” Ollie rubbed the spot Finn had touched. It tingled.

“No? I prefer to get to know you the old-fashioned way. In person.”

“That’s kind of nice.”

“I do have to ask though,” Finn’s tone became a bit more serious. “Are you okay with our age difference? Twelve years is a lot.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Ollie shrugged, spearing some vegetables. “A wise old man told me that age is just a number.”

“Is that wise old man Liam?”

“He might be.”

“Will your parents be okay with us?”

“I think so. Biz, the nosy sister I told you about? She only likes older men so she’s worn my parents down. They won’t even blink at you.”

“Okay, that’s good. I think.”

“It is. Having older siblings test drives the parental unit. By the time they got to me, the third child, my mom and dad were almost too tired to care. And Tommy has free reign since he’s the youngest.” Ollie nibbled on a piece of broccoli. “It’s your turn. I remember you saying that you grew up with your uncle?”

“Yes, Uncle Joe.” Finn smiled softly. “He’s my uncledad. Since my mom died when I was two-”

“Oh my god. I’m sorry.” Ollie put a hand over his mouth.

“It’s okay. I was too young to know what was happening. She had an aneurysm, died in bed at thirty-one. And she and my dad weren’t together together.”

“They never got married?” Dropping his hand, Ollie reached for his spring roll, taking a small bite.

“Nope. My biological father played drums in a lot of bands and was always on the road. That’s how he met Uncle Joe, they toured together for a year. From what I’ve heard, my father was a real Casanova and when he met my uncle’s little sister, she became another conquest for him. But then I was on the way. They tried to stick it out for a few years but he was always playing shows and she was doing this alone and then she died.” Finn shrugged. “Now that I’m older than she ever got to be, I feel sorry for her. And everything was too much for my father so he dropped me off with Uncle Joe and left.”

“Wait.” Ollie shook his head, trying to parse the information. “Your mother died and your father abandoned you?”

“In a way, yes. But it was the one thing he got right, because Uncle Joe changed his life to take care of me, left working in bands and got a job as a studio engineer, taught me how to play bass, and made sure I didn’t forget about my mom. He even gave me this.” Finn reached under his shirt, pulling out a small silver ring on a chain and Ollie leaned in, studying the swooping S engraved on the band. “It was a high school graduation gift from her parents - my grandparents. According to Uncle Joe, she wore it all the time. I’d wear it too but it’s even too small for my pinky so, it’s relegated to chain duty.” He quickly tucked it away.

Ollie wanted to laugh but he was too stunned. It was a lot to take in. He couldn’t imagine one of his parents leaving him with a relative and taking off. Finn’s life had started as a tragedy and yet he’d turned out upbeat and optimistic; could Ollie learn to be that way when disaster came for him? “Do you talk to your biological father at all?”

Finn shook his head, lips pressed tight. “Not really, no. He came back into my life when I was six but it had been so long that I didn’t know who he was. So, he left again. I’ve seen him a handful of times after that but not in the last ten years. He tries to contact me here and there. Like, over these past few months, he’s been emailing Uncle Joe - who’s a big softie - saying that he has something important to tell me. But you know what? I don’t care.”

“I can see why.” Ollie forgot about his food. “Your uncle sounds amazing.”

“He is. He’s my entire family.”

“It must have been quiet growing up. My house was chaos for most of my childhood. Good chaos, but still, chaos.”

“Yeah, mine was pretty quiet. I was an independent kid because I kind of had to be. But it was lonely. The chaos you had? I sometimes wish I could’ve had that too.”

Ollie thought about Biz stealing his favorite makeup palette and then yelling at him when he stole it back, Tommy playing video games at full volume, and Sophie threatening his life while she was studying for nursing school. “You say that now but when you have three siblings everyone is always up in your business.”

“Which is why you’re living here.” Finn toasted him again, with a different egg roll and Ollie toasted him back.

“Exactly.”

Ollie made it through the rest of the night unscathed, for Finn’s calm, centered personality seemed to form a bubble around them, keeping the dread at bay, and he slowly ate his small portion without thinking too hard about it. They continued to talk and Ollie remained riveted, laughing as they debated which tennis player was the greatest of all time and which vampire movies were in their top five. The fun and intense conversation went on for so long that they only managed the first movie and one animated short before Ollie started to doze off.

“We have to do this again.” Ollie stood by the front door, smothering a yawn as he saw Finn out. He wasn’t going to end the night with another blowjob but falling asleep during a date was pretty lame. He was hoping for something in the middle?

“We do.” Finn adjusted the shopping bag in his hands. Ollie kept the vegetables and rolls but insisted that Finn take home the rest. He didn’t want to waste food and it would languish in the fridge unless Mason actually left the basement and ate it.

“Text me when you get home safe?” Ollie blinked up at Finn, who was suddenly close, his deep brown eyes glittering.

“Of course.” And before Ollie could blink, Finn leaned down, pressing their lips together. Ollie let out a little gasp, winding his arms around Finn’s neck as he sunk into the kiss. Tilting his head, Finn used that gasp, licking into Ollie’s mouth, and their tongues slid together, tasting and exploring until Ollie’s knees began to go weak.

With a final peck, Finn stepped back, a smug smile on his face, and Ollie did the same, trying not to look too ravaged as his legs shook and he clung to the door. Well, that was certainly in the middle.

Reaching out, Finn chucked Ollie under the chin. “Good night, Sunshine. Sleep well.”

“You too,” Ollie sputtered, kiss-drunk. He stayed in the doorway until Finn pulled away, and then cleaned the living room on autopilot. With his mind still on Finn’s delectable mouth, Ollie floated up the stairs. He should do another workout but, for once, he didn’t want to. Instead, he washed his makeup off, got into his peacock pajamas, and snuggled in bed, staring up at the ceiling as his mind whirred, filled only with thoughts of Finn.

The man who was slowly but surely stealing his heart.